Important Alert Issued for Wildlife Tested in Sullivan County

The Sullivan County Government shared on its Facebook page today an alert for residents to be aware that they have identified an animal that tested positive for rabies in the county.

Public Health Alert Issued for Rabies in Sullivan County

The Sullivan County Department of Health confirmed that a raccoon tested positive for the rabies virus in Callicoon, New York, and has issued a Public Health Alert. Rabies can be found in many types of wildlife in the Catskill and the Hudosn Valley region, so it is important to be aware when a case is in your area.

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The Public Health Director, Doctor Jessie Moore, stated that rabies is not a rare disease when it comes to Sullivan County wildlife. According to Dr. Moore, on average, the county sees 4 to 5 animals per year with the virus.

What Animals Carry the Rabies Virus

According to the information shared, most cases of rabies occur in raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and woodchucks. Domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and cattle account for less than 10 percent of the cases reported. The county does want you to know that wild animals can expose your pets, so getting your pets vaccinated is the best answer to the problem.

The Department of Public Health is working to provide another free clinic in the Callicoon area. In the meantime, the next regularly scheduled rabies vaccination clinic will be held at Hanofee Park in Liberty on August 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. (The Sullivan County, NY Government via Facebook)

 

What Can You Do To Prevent Rabies Exposure

Do not come into contact with wild animals. Get your pet's rabies vaccine updated. Keep unvaccinated pets or pets too young to be vaccinated inside. Do not attract wild animals to your home or yard. Keep garbage secure and put away food.

Family pets should be kept indoors at night. If your pet gets into a fight with a wild animal, be sure to handle them with gloves and seek professional help. Make sure that wild animals can't get into your home, attic, or basement.

Do not touch a stray dog or cat. Be sure to tell children that if they are bitten, they must immediately tell an adult. If you get bitten, seek treatment right away. If possible, try to keep the animal that bit you for further observation. Report any contact with wild animals to the Sullivan County Department of Public Health, call 845-292-5910.